News Release

USDA-NRCS seeks Conservation Innovation Grant proposals

AMHERST, Mass. (June 10, 2014) – The Massachusetts State Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the availability of up to $130,000 in Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.

For fiscal year 2014, Massachusetts NRCS will consider proposals for projects that address energy conservation, invasive species control, soil health and water quality. Additional topics may be considered at the State Conservationist’s discretion.

NRCS will fund single and multi-year projects. Funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process. Projects are not to exceed three years with an anticipated project start date of September 1, 2014; award amounts for individual projects will range between $10,000 and $75,000. Eligible entities include federally recognized Indian tribes, state and local units of government, and non-governmental organizations and individuals in Massachusetts.

CIG funds projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies, while leveraging the federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection in conjunction with agricultural production.

Proposal must be received at the NRCS Massachusetts State Office by 4:00 pm on July 31, 2014. Applications sent via hand-delivery, US Postal Service, or overnight courier service must be sent to: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Innovation Grants Program, 451 West Street, Amherst, MA 01002. To submit an application electronically, visit www.grants.gov or send by e-mail to deb.johnson@ma.usda.gov.

“CIG stimulates development and adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that are likely to succeed so that the technology can be transferred or institutionalized,” said Christine Clarke, NRCS Massachusetts State Conservationist.

CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches into NRCS policy, technical manuals, guides, and references, or to the private sector. CIG is used to apply or demonstrate previously proven technology; it does not fund research projects. Projects intended to test hypotheses do not qualify for a CIG grant.

Selected applicants may receive CIG grants of up to 50 percent of their total project cost. CIG recipients must match the USDA funds with cash and in-kind contributions from non-Federal sources. Of the applicant’s required match (at least 50 percent of the total project budget), the contribution from cash sources must be at least 50% of the federal request; the remainder may come from in-kind contributions.